ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES COURSE OFFERINGS
BIO 102 Human Ecology 3 cr.
This is an introductory course for majors in the BA track for Environmental Studies and for non-biology majors. In this course students are introduced to the fundamental principles governing the structure and function of ecological systems. Current environmental issues are examined, including critical analysis of the ecological and societal factors involved. Topics covered include: the structure of matter, energy principles, evolution and natural selection, a survey of ecosystems, human population dynamics, energy sources, water management, pollution, soil properties, agriculture, and waste disposal. Cycled as needed
BIO 123/123L General Biology I/Lab 4 cr.
An introduction to the processes of life. Basic biological concepts will be presented by examining model representations of the animal and plant kingdoms. Three class hours and two hours of laboratory. Offered every fall
BIO 124/124L General Biology II/Lab 4 cr.
A continuation of General Biology I. Prerequisite: BIO 123 or permission of instructor. Three class hours and two hours of laboratory. Offered every spring
BIO 207/207L Microbiology/Lab 3 cr.
The general biology of micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa), their
classification, structure growth, biochemistry, and genetics will be presented. The host-parasite relationship, emphasizing the parasite’s strategy of pathogenesis and the host’s
immune response will also be discussed. Prerequisites: BIO 125, BIO 126. Two class
hours and two hours of laboratory. Offered both semesters
BIO 213/213L Environmental Biology 4 cr.
The basic principles needed to study individual environments, the dynamic interplay of the forces in the living community illustrated by field and laboratory work. Three class hours. Two hours of laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 123, BIO 124. Offered every year
BIO 215/215L Environmental Impacts on Human Health 4 cr.
An analysis of the impacts of the biological, chemical, and physical aspects of the environment on human health. It includes an examination of the primary causes of environmental degradation followed by an in-depth analysis of the direct and indirect effects that environmental conditions have on human health. Three class hours. Two hours of laboratory. Prerequisite: one year of college biology. Cycled as needed
BIO 224/224L Marine Biology 4 cr.
The study of marine organisms and their adaptation to various habitats including intertidal, estuary, coral reef, shallow ocean, pelagic, and abyss. In the laboratory, students will examine or identify phytoplankton, zooplankton, seaweeds, and marine bacteria. They will examine and dissect lower marine invertebrates, marine mollusks, marine arthropods, echinoderms, cartilagenous fishes, and bony fishes. Three class hours and two hours of laboratory. Prerequisites: General Biology I and II (BIO 123/123L and BIO 124/124L). Cycled as needed
BIO 242/242L Conservation Biology 4 cr.
An analysis of the current topics and issues of conservation and preservation ans they pertain to the maintenance and management of major ecosystems. Fundamental ecological principles as well as applications and current technology will be critically examined. Three class hours and two hours of laboratory. Prerequisite: one year of college biology. Cycled as needed
CHM 111 Chemical Principles I 4.5 cr.
Foundation course for chemistry concentrators. Emphasis on the significance of the chemical equation as applied to stoichiometry, oxidation and reduction thermochemistry, electrochemistry, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Three class hours, one hour of recitation and three hours of laboratory. Prerequisites: one year of high school chemistry and MTH 111 competency. Offered every fall
CHM 112 Chemical Principles II 4.5 cr.
Continuation of Chemical Principles I. Emphasis on atomic and molecular structure, the chemical bond, nuclear and radiochemistry, properties of matter in bulk. Laboratory introduction to quantitative analysis. Three class hours and three hours of laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 111. Offered every spring
CHM 221, 222 Organic Chemistry 9 cr.
Fundamental principles of organic chemistry; emphasis on the relationship between structure and reactivity of organic compounds; current views on organic reaction mechanisms. Laboratory includes theory and practice of some of the common techniques in synthesis, purification, and identification of organic compounds. Three class hours and three hours of laboratory each semester. Prerequisite: CHM 112. CHM 121 offered every fall, CHM 122 offered every spring
ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics 3 cr.
This is the first part of a two-semester introductory sequence dealing with microeconomic principles. Among the topics included are: consumer demand; production and cost; price and output determination in various types of markets theories of income distribution, economics of government regulation; and the international dimensions of trade, production and finance. Offered every fall
ECO 102 Principles of Macroeconomics 3cr.
This is the second part of a two-semester introductory sequence dealing with macroeconomic principles. Among the topics included are: the theoretical and empirical analysis of business cycles and long-term economic growth; money and the banking system; deficits and debt; and the problems of unemployment and inflation. Prerequisite: ECO 101 Microeconomics. Offered every spring
ECO 106 Environmental Economics 3 cr.
This course will examine the economic historic interplay of human economic activities and the natural environment. We will analyze how the essential economic activities of production, distribution, and consumption affect and are affected by nature. The concept of sustainable economic development will be fully explored with a special emphasis placed on measuring economic costs and benefits of alternative resource use. Cycled as needed
ECO 253 International Economics 3 cr.
This course will study the complex ways global economic activity affects our lives. The three main dimensions of the international economy-the exchange of goods and services, the flow of direct investment in production facilities, and markets for currency and financial instruments-will be examined. Critical issues—the competitive position of the U.S. in the world economy, the effects of global trade and production on our standard of living, and the role of debt in creating international financial instability—will be addressed. Cycled as needed
ENV 101 Environmental Colloquium I 1 cr.
This is a discussion/presentation course for Environmental Studies majors. Students will be exposed to contemporary environmental issues through readings of current literature and news reports and by attendance of at least one local conference. Students are encouraged to draw from their personal experiences and apply their multi-disciplinary training as they critically analyze the role of science, politics, media, business, advocacy, culture, aesthetics, ethics, environmental justice, and economics in the environmental issues covered. Students will participate in class discussions by presenting their viewpoints based on class readings and responding to those of other students. Students will also demonstrate their understanding of each topic through written summaries based on readings and class discussions. Cycled as needed
ENV 201 Environmental Colloquium II 1 cr.
This course is a professional development seminar for Environmental Studies majors. Students will be exposed to the range of career possibilities open to environmental professionals through a variety of sources including job newsletters, Internet listings, professional associations, CNR’s Counseling, Career Development and Placement Services office, news accounts, and the Environmental Studies program database. Students are expected to devote considerable thought to their career interests, objectives, and possible limitations, so that they may use this seminar to embark on a serious effort to further their career through internships, professional training, and/or employment. Cycled as needed
HIS 360 Twentieth Century Global Issues 3 cr.
This course focuses on the origins of contemporary global issues – the environment, human rights, development and underdevelopment, hunger, violence, and conflict resolution. Because the Twentieth-century global order is rooted in the imperialism and the growth of corporatism, this course examines global interaction in three periods: 1860-1914; 1914-1945; 1945-1995. Students will develop a comprehensive view of how interdependence among nations works while becoming expert on one region and one issue. Cycled as needed
INS 400 Viewpoints: Multinational Corporations, Business Ethics & Human Rights 3 cr. This course will attempt to examine and analyze ethical and unethical corporate decisions. Topics will include unfair business practices, both domestic and global, corporate responsibility, and wage and gender discrimination in the workplace. Videos, case studies, and guest speakers will aid in the exploration of these issues.
INS 400 Viewpoints: Environmental Justice 3 cr.
In this course we will explore how economic, racial, ethnic, and cultural background can affect people’s access to a clean, safe, and productive environment. Through readings, a field trip, literature, documentaries, news reports, and class discussions, we will examine case studies of people’s environmental rights being threatened or violated locally, nationally, and globally and the mechanisms being used to secure these rights.
MTH 117 Elementary Statistics 3 cr.
The description of sample data, probability, theoretical frequency distributions, sampling, estimating, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. Intended for the non-major. Prerequisite: MTH 111 competency. Offered both semesters
PHL 240 Critical Issues in Environmentalism 3 cr.
This course will prepare students to critically analyze the most pressing environmental issues confronting us today, by exploring a number of influential theoretical positions concerning the relationship between humans and nature. PHL 250 Technology & Environmentalism 3 cr. This course will explore the impact western technology has had on our environment and on our relationships to it. Both positive and negative technological impacts will be considered. PHL 260 Intercultural Perspectives of Culture & Environment 3 cr. This course will examine a variety of ways to understand cultures and their impact on people, their lives, and the environment. The student’s own views and attitudes will be explored, analyzed, and assessed during this process. Cycled as needed
PHL 250 – Technology & Environmentalism 3 cr. This course will explore the impact western technology has had on our environment and on our relationships to it. Both positive and negative technological impacts will be considered. Cycled as needed
PHL 260 – Intercultural Perspectives of Culture & Environment 3 cr.
This course will examine a variety of ways to understand cultures and their impact on people, their lives, and the environment. The student’s own views and attitudes will be explored, analyzed, and assessed during this process. Cycled as needed
PHL 270 Women, the Poor & the Environment 3 cr.
This course will examine the views held of women and people from a variety of locales by those with more power. It will also study the effects of the actions taken in response to these ideas and the responses of the people on whom they had an impact. Ideas of nature, ethics, and possible future actions will be explored. Cycled as needed
PHY 111, 112 General College Physics 4 cr.
A general course in physics, including mechanics, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Three class hours and two hours of laboratory each semester. Prerequisite: MTH 116 or equivalent. PHY 111 offered every fall; PHY 112 offered every spring
POS 255 Problems of World Politics Today 3 cr.
An introduction to some of the principal international problems of the contemporary period. Exploration of the origin, development, and current status of several disputes and issues. Topics include human rights, Third World demands for a new international economic order, and the arms race. Cycled as needed
POS 260 Issues in American Politics 3 cr.
An examination of issues in American politics today, government regulation and the economy, energy policy, environmental pollution, the arms race, and abortion. Cycled as needed
POS 320 International Law and Organizations 3 cr.
An introduction to the basics of international law and its applications to the politics among nations, and an examination of the major international organizations and their impact on war, peace, and economic development. Cycled as needed
SOC 240 - Technology and Society 3 cr.
The social, economic, cultural, and political consequences of historical and emergent technological change on both the global and local levels. Technologies as social products that reflect various political and economic interests and cultural values. Risk, ethical problems, and issues of global social equity and environmental compatibility. Cycled as needed